This Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or a family gathering. It combines tender broccoli and juicy chicken coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is low carb, sugar-free, gluten-free, grain-free, keto-friendly, and a Trim Healthy Mama S Fuel.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time, this casserole is ready in under an hour.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will enjoy this cheesy and creamy dish.
- Versatile: Adapt the recipe to your liking with different cheeses or vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake when ready.
- Keto-Friendly: This recipe fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- Cooked chicken (breasts or thighs, shredded or cubed)
- Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- Almond flour
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise (sugar-free)
- Gruyere cheese (or any shredded cheese)
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Cooked chicken works best. Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook chicken breasts/thighs in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets can be used. If using frozen, thaw completely.
- Almond Flour: Use almond flour, not almond meal, for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: For a richer sauce, use heavy cream. If you are low carb and not keto, you can use half and half.
- Mayonnaise: Be sure to use a brand without added sugar.
- Cheese: Gruyere cheese adds a nutty flavor, but any shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend will work.
Instructions
Oven Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare the broccoli and chicken: Place broccoli and chicken in a large baking pan.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add almond flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Stir in cream and broth, and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken. Top with cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and cooked through.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Place ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the chicken and broccoli in your slow cooker.
- Pour sauce over it: Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
- Top with cheese: Top with cheese.
- Cook: Cook on low for about 4 hours.
Instant Pot Instructions
- Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to saute. Melt butter and add almond flour. Cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in cream and broth and bring to a simmer. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken and broccoli: Add cooked chicken and broccoli to the pot and toss.
- Pressure cook: Set to high pressure for 1 minute. Do a quick release.
- Stir in dairy: Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
Tips and Variations
- Add Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky flavor and extra crunch.
- Use Cauliflower: Substitute cauliflower for broccoli for a different flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate other low-carb vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. It also pairs well with other low-carb sides like roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is based on the ingredients and brands used. Accuracy may vary, so it is recommended to calculate independently. This recipe is low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, making it ideal for a ketogenic diet.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It reheats well in the microwave or in the oven.
Is Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Keto-Friendly?
Yes, you can enjoy chicken and broccoli casserole on the keto diet by making a few simple substitutions. Replace high-carb ingredients like rice with low-carb alternatives like extra broccoli or cauliflower rice. Adding healthy fats like sour cream and cheese will also help boost the fat content.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
What are Good and Bad Carbs?
Not all carbs are created equal.
- Bad Carbs: These are often processed and stripped of fiber and nutrients. Examples include white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks.
- Good Carbs: These contain helpful nutrients and fiber. Examples include non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto